HeathrowGuy

As continued evidence of its post-merger implosion, US Airways today announced a set of VERY draconian new "initiatives" as it continues to "transform" its business. Among the highlights:

-In-Flight Beverage Purchase Program: In addition to current sales of alcoholic beverages on all domestic flights, US Airways will begin selling all non-alcoholic beverages (including sodas, juices, bottled water and coffee) in its domestic coach cabins for $2 effective Aug. 1, 2008. Alcoholic beverages will be available for $7 (currently $5). More details will be forthcoming and will include new premium beverage and hearty snack choices.


Complimentary beverages will continue to be served in domestic First Class, US Airways Shuttle flights, trans-Atlantic Envoy and trans-Atlantic economy class. Unaccompanied minors will also receive complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.

--Dividend Miles Changes: A new award redemption processing fee will be assessed to all Dividend Miles award tickets issued on/after Aug. 6, 2008. The fee will be based on destination ($25 for domestic/Canada tickets, $35 for tickets to Mexico / Caribbean, and $50 for Hawaii / international). US Airways is also eliminating its bonus miles program for Preferred status Dividend Miles members. Preferred members currently receive mileage bonuses based on their status level. The Preferred bonus program will be discontinued for tickets purchased on/after Aug. 6, 2008.

The airline's frequent flyer program continues to be one of the best programs in the industry and presents the most generous upgrade opportunities. Dividend Miles Preferred members are eligible for unlimited complimentary upgrades up to seven days prior to departure versus five days, often accompanied by a fee, in other airlines' frequent flyer programs.



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Pray that no such things EVER come to pass at our Continental Airlines...

CO 1E

LOL. US must be getting really desperate - I think they it will be the one to go Chapter 7, while UA will survive.

sdm1130

Yeah, I must admit that this is extremely amusing to watch.

They take away bonus miles for elites and then claim they have one of the best programs in the industry. Hysterical!

Hartmann

If it wasn't so sad it would be funny.

Are they hoping to make money from the selling of beverages? They still have to stock the stuff.

fly co to see the yanks

and this forum must be getting desperate for new topics.

if US jumped off a bridge, would CO follow?

back to pudding...

Steph3n

Can I claim I am 17 and get free drinks?

chasbondy

Why not charge for them? We've all seen the price rape the airports did to fliers, 2 seconds after they got the TSA to prohibit liquids in carryons. So why shouldn't the carriers hone in on the action?

ecofreak

No, since you have not paid the fee (btw, is that increased as well?) to be recognized as UM

Anglo Large Clawed Otter

Did I miss the part of the press release where US announced they are renaming their in-flight magazine "Pravda"?

CO 1E

US is offering The Washington Post as its inflight magazine? (Sorry - had to sneak that one in again.)

cova

This is the most major change. Eliminating the Elite bonus in my view will kill loyalty. The basic rationale for the Elite bonus is that an Elite will more likely want to redeem FC rewards. Hence by giving a 100% bonus, and charging double for the reward, the airline is giving their high level Elite member a FC reward for the same amount of flying that a non-Elite needs to do for a coach ticket.

If revenue management is giving out reward seats for seats that likely would be unsold then you are not saving anything by taking away Elite bonus.

Bad move on US part. I do not see CO going that route. Maybe the $15 bag fee, but that is it.

Olton Hall

I noticed WN has their ads out about all of the extra fees being charged by the legacy carriers.
"Fees Don't Fly With Us."

bordeauxboy

US seems to be going out of their way to prevent UA from being recognized as the single most incompetent airline in aviation history.

I'd be shocked if CO took the lead of such an illustrious organization.

Did I really vote for the *A?

Steph3n

even a special section on the site:
http://southwest.com/nofees/

worldwidedreamer

It is only a matter of time before we loose a major airline, or two. My first vote off the island would be US Air followed by an AA Ch 11. Am I the only person who noticed Chase just gave CO more money ($413m) for future FFP purchases than the US Air market cap($247m)? Note to Larry and Jeff: do not trade kitty for desert hubs.